The departure and arrival procedures described on this web page are derived from a Letter of Agreement between the City of Santa Monica and the Federal Aviation Administration. Compliance with the noise management procedures is requested unless deviations are made necessary by weather, ATC instructions or clearances, an inflight emergency or other safety considerations.

No takeoffs or engine startups are permitted between 2300 hours local time and 0700 hours Monday through Friday, or until 0800 hours on weekends. Exceptions are allowed for bona fide medical or public safety emergencies if prior approval has been obtained from the Santa Monica Police Watch Commander (310) 458-8426 or the Airport Manager (310) 458-8591. Curfew violators are subject to misdemeanor criminal prosecution.

Although arrivals are permitted 24 hours a day, a voluntary curfew for arrivals is in effect between 2300 hours and 0700 hours local time Monday through Friday, or until 0800 hours on weekends.

For noise management purposes, please limit Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) use to the minimum time necessary. The maximum allowable APU run-time is (30) thirty minutes. In addition, the APU is considered an engine start and shall comply with the Airport's curfew restrictions.

The use of reverse thrust can negatively impact the residential areas surrounding the Airport, particularly during the night hours. The use of minimum reverse thrust necessary for safety is recommended, consistent with runway conditions and available length.

Several aircraft have been shown to be unable to meet the maximum noise level of 95.0 dBA SENEL and shall be permanently excluded from operating at Santa Monica Airport after one violation and be subject to misdemeanor prosecution. The Gates Learjet 20 series and the Gulfstream II and III are just a few of the "Listed Aircraft". Please see the complete index of "Listed Aircraft" for further details.

As a result of an agreement between the City of Santa Monica and the FAA, an Airport Ordinance was established setting a maximum noise level of 95.0 dBA Single Event Noise Exposure Level (SENEL) measured at noise monitor sites 1,500 feet from each end of the runway. Santa Monica Airport's Fly Neighborly Program focuses on pilot education and cooperation. However, repeat violators of the noise limit may be fined or suspended from using the Airport. Pilots are encouraged to contact the Noise Management Office for additional details.

Compliance with the Airport Ordinance is mandatory unless deviations are made necessary by weather, ATC instructions or clearances, an in-flight emergency or other safety considerations.

This frequency is for Noise Management Communication between pilots departing SMO and the Noise Management Office. Most aircraft are capable of meeting the 95.0 dBA maximum SENEL limit with changes in pilot technique or aircraft operating weight. The goal of the Santa Monica Airport's Fly Neighborly Program is to work with pilots to develop the methods and techniques that will lower aircraft noise levels. To arrange for a test, please call (310) 458-8759 or 8692 prior to departure. Noise management flight tests are available during regular business hours.

NOTE: Noise management flight tests are not waivers to exceed the 95.0 SENEL maximum noise level.

Prior to engine start, pilots are requested to call Ground Control (GC) on 121.9 MHz for IFR clearance.

GC will issue clearance and request high performance twins and jets to call on 121.9 MHz within one minute prior to actual engine start. When the pilot makes this call, the passengers should be on board and ready for startup.

If a departure delay is anticipated, the controller will inform the pilot of the aircraft's Expected Departure Release Time. Please do not start engines prior to advising ATC.

When GC receives the IFR release time from LAX Tower, the release will be forwarded to the pilot and taxi instructions will be issued based on anticipated delay. Aircraft should be ready for departure when reaching the IFR hold area.

Due to the proximity of the homes adjacent to the Airport, fixed-wing turbine aircraft are requested to hold approximately 200 feet from the end of the runway while awaiting departure clearance from ATC. The hold area is indicated by a yellow (IFR Hold Area) sign located in the infield area and a yellow Hold Bar on the Taxiway.

Fixed Wing Procedures	Helicopter Procedures	Jet Aircraft Procedures